BY Ron KotrbaFrom the perspective of a leading process technology and design provider, EPM peers into the popular trend of ethanol producers choosing to run plants hard in order to maximize output. READ MORE

BY Dave NillesFinding a suitable plant site is getting more difficult as the industry grows beyond its Corn Belt base. However, grain supply and access to markets aren't the only qualities that need consideration. What lies beneath the surface of the land remains a crucial component to an ethanol plant's solid foundation. READ MORE

BY Dave NillesRight now, five companies provide the vast majority of process technology and construction/detail engineering services for the North America ethanol industry—but more companies are beginning to enter the business, and they're bringing their related experience with them. READ MORE

BY Nicholas ZemanEthanol plant builders say their waiting lists are growing—not only because of their own limited abilities to handle new jobs, but also because of the size and capabilities of the suppliers who serve them. It's a critical period right now for vendors whose ability to meet the demands of the U.S. ethanol expansion has a major bearing on the near-term success of their own companies. READ MORE

BY Anduin Kirkbride McElroyLike any business, ethanol-industry-based companies can only grow as fast as they can find good employees. But "getting the right people on the bus" is only the beginning. Training and confidence building can take months. READ MORE

BY W.R. StephensA Canadian company is preparing to exploit an innovative approach to ethanol production. It's not "bio-ethanol"—it's synthetic—but Syntec's founders believe this non-fermentation route will soon be worth a fortune. READ MORE

BY Holly JessenThe way some people talk about it, ethanol is a thief, stealing corn straight out of the mouths of the world's hungry. In reality, the impact of ethanol production on global food supplies is a more complicated issue that calls for pragmatism—and a wide-angle lens approach. READ MORE

BY Ron KotrbaU.S. oil production peaked in 1971 and has been decreasing ever since. Many reputable experts believe global oil production will soon start to trend continuously downward, despite a steadily increasing world population and, with it, higher demand for transportation fuels. READ MORE

BY Nicholas ZemanWith sunset provisions for federal ethanol incentives looming, farm-state lawmakers are making moves to make the federal tax credit permanent. Critics say doing this would benefit big corporations more than American farmers. READ MORE

BY Holly JessenDespite the looming possibility of drought, experts say the U.S. corn industry has the right tools to stay afloat should dry, hot weather return in the next few growing seasons. If drought does harm corn yields, the impact on ethanol plants could be considerable—especially if the industry uses as much as half of the nation's corn crop before turning to cellulosic feedstocks en masse. READ MORE